Grammy-nominated musician John Forté has died at the age of 50. Forté, best known for his collaborations with The Fugees, was found dead in his Massachusetts home on Monday, January 12, 2026.
According to reports, police responded to a call at approximately 2:25 p.m. at his home in Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, after a neighbor found him unresponsive on the kitchen floor. By the time police arrived, he was not responsive and not breathing, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Chilmark Police Chief Sean Slavin stated that there were no signs of foul play or any readily apparent cause of death. The cause of death is currently under investigation by the state medical examiner.
John Forté rose to prominence in the mid-1990s, becoming a key creative force alongside The Fugees. He co-wrote and produced songs on their critically acclaimed and Grammy Award-winning album, "The Score," a landmark album in hip-hop history. He is remembered for his verse on "Cowboys". Forté also released several solo albums, including "PolySci" and "I, John," showcasing his talents as a multi-instrumentalist and storyteller. His most recent album, "Vessels, Angels & Ancestors," was released in 2021.
Beyond his recording career, Forté composed music for film and television, and became known for his intimate, acoustic performances that highlighted reflection and social consciousness. He also did the original score for the Breonna Taylor documentary "Bree Wayy: Promise, Witness, Remembrance".
In 2000, Forté's career faced a setback when he was arrested on drug trafficking charges and sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. After serving seven years, his sentence was commuted in 2008 by President George W. Bush, following advocacy from fellow artists and supporters, including Carly Simon.
Following his release, Forté dedicated himself to rebuilding his life and career. He recorded over 60 songs, performed in numerous concerts, and launched a public speaking career. He resided in Martha's Vineyard with his wife, Lara Fuller, and their two children, Haile and Wren. His death has deeply affected the close-knit community of Martha's Vineyard.
